UNICEF responds to concerns over its procurement policy in the occupied Palestinian territory

GAZA, 28 May 2012 –UNICEF Special Representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, Ms. Jean Gough, today met with the Chairperson of the Palestinian Contractors Union in Gaza to discuss the concerns they raised over the United Nations Children's Fund’s procurement policy.

“The priority and policy of UNICEF office in the occupied Palestinian territory is to purchase goods and services from qualified Palestinian manufacturers, authorized dealers and companies. We only buy from other providers when goods are not available”, Ms. Gough said.

When purchasing goods or services, UNICEF follows the joint United Nations guidelines and buys goods directly from manufacturers or authorized dealers in a timely, cost effective manner. All purchases are made through a competitive bid process among prequalified suppliers based in the area of operations.

One of UNICEF’s latest projects in Gaza is a desalination unit which will provide Palestinian children with access to good quality water. “We are committed to work with our Palestinian partners to ensure that this unit can be built without delay and with the best quality materials available, so that it can benefit Palestinian children as soon as possible”, Ms. Gough said. “The final decision on the continuation of this project is in the hands of our Palestinian counterparts”, she added.

UNICEF has been working in the occupied Palestinian territory since the 1980s. In partnership with a wide range of Palestinian organizations, UNICEF programmes help Palestinian children access education, protection, health and safe drinking water.

# # #About UNICEFUNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org